From 350zHR to Scion FRS

[radiocrash]

Hey guys!

I just picked up my '13 FRS with 36k miles on Thursday and I'm ecstatic to say the least. I test drove a modded one a few months back and, initially skeptic, immediately fell in love with the car. I am coming from a 2007 HR with full bolt ons. The FRS is quite a bit slower, but you can't beat the handling and general driveability of the FRS. Build quality seems to be a bit better overall, and it's just as, if not more, fun to drive.

Right now it's bone stock but I plan on some bolt-ons and aesthetic mods in the future.

Pics:



Here's the Z:


Of course, after a problem-free test drive, the day after I noticed 4th gear grinds during 3-4's over 3k rpm. After some research I discovered many other people have this problem too. I'm not too concerned considering the drivetrain is still under warranty AND I purchased an additional 60k miles of coverage.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself to all of you! I'll post updates in the future

[RedGlare]

Clean Z, and nice frs

I am in the same boat, thinking of selling my 370z and going for an FR-S, how are you acclimating from the power drop?


for the 4th gear grind, try changing tranny fluid to redline MTF, I had a gear grin on my 07 350z the redline fluid fixed it completely.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Congratulations, I think you made the right choice! This is one of the best sports cars money can buy, people who disagree just don't get driving.

Clean Z33 too!

I was considering a 350Z, Z4, or BRZ when car shopping. I went with the BRZ after driving all 3, at least 2 examples of each. I always loooved the 350Z (came out when I was 15, THE tuner car then), but finally after driving one I walked away miffed. It felt heavy, the engine didn't feel very willing, and it felt thin in the metal and significantly chintzier than the BRZ. Before I drove any of the cars I was expecting to buy the 350Z. After driving the BRZ for a mile I knew I wasn't going to.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by RedGlare

I am in the same boat, thinking of selling my 370z and going for an FR-S, how are you acclimating from the power drop?.

Between the 350Z and the 86 the power difference is not nearly as drastic as the numbers suggest. Keep in mind that a 2003 base Z33 is ~420 lbs heavier than the 86 and the facelift coupes are ~630 lbs heavier! Combine that with the fact that the FA20 WANTS to rev much more than the VQ35, and acceleration honestly feels more fun in my BRZ, even if a tick slower.
Just remember, acceleration is done between ~5000RPM and redline, not lower.

I came from a full bolt on BMW 335i (~425 WHP) and I don't miss the power.
That's how good this little car is. It really gets under your skin.

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by RedGlare

Clean Z, and nice frs

I am in the same boat, thinking of selling my 370z and going for an FR-S, how are you acclimating from the power drop?


for the 4th gear grind, try changing tranny fluid to redline MTF, I had a gear grin on my 07 350z the redline fluid fixed it completely.

Interesting, i want to sell the frs for 370z

[[YOYO]]

Congrats on the car purchase and welcome to the club

I came from a heavily modded, 2003 RSX Type S, so I also experienced the power drop. It was a toss up between a 370Z and the FRS / BRZ. I went with the FRS, and I don't regret it one bit. It looks and drives like a dream.

Have fun modding!

[Mr.Impreza]

Originally Posted by [YOYO]

Congrats on the car purchase and welcome to the club

I came from a heavily modded, 2003 RSX Type S, so I also experienced the power drop. It was a toss up between a 370Z and the FRS / BRZ. I went with the FRS, and I don't regret it one bit. It looks and drives like a dream.

Have fun modding!

+1 on this. I came from a 2002 WRX STI swap & Bmw 335i

I can tell you, I never miss the power of those cars. The twins are truly amazing sports cars that look the part and feel it.

The Z looks like it was beautifully modded, so i have high hopes for your 86!

[TommyW]

I came off a 911 Turbo then decided to go the "slow car more fun" route and got a Miata. Great car and more enjoyable than the 911 80% of the time however how 'bout that body roll? It just felt too much like a chick car also. The first time I drove an FRS it was instant love. PLANTED is the word I'd use. Great chassis, probably one of if not the best I've experienced.

[PDM 2]

Came from a Speed3. Miss the power & boost. Haven't drove my FR-S hard yet since it was almost winter when I got her. But so far so good. Grats on the car!

[radiocrash]

Originally Posted by RedGlare

Clean Z, and nice frs

I am in the same boat, thinking of selling my 370z and going for an FR-S, how are you acclimating from the power drop?


for the 4th gear grind, try changing tranny fluid to redline MTF, I had a gear grin on my 07 350z the redline fluid fixed it completely.

Thanks for your suggestion. I've been researching the problem and it seems like redline 75w90 mt 90 is the way I'll go if the transmission issue isn't resolvable through replacement.

The power drop is noticeable but I love this thing regardless. It's just a better car overall from what I've experienced so far.

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

Congratulations, I think you made the right choice! This is one of the best sports cars money can buy, people who disagree just don't get driving.

Clean Z33 too!

I was considering a 350Z, Z4, or BRZ when car shopping. I went with the BRZ after driving all 3, at least 2 examples of each. I always loooved the 350Z (came out when I was 15, THE tuner car then), but finally after driving one I walked away miffed. It felt heavy, the engine didn't feel very willing, and it felt thin in the metal and significantly chintzier than the BRZ. Before I drove any of the cars I was expecting to buy the 350Z. After driving the BRZ for a mile I knew I wasn't going to.

Yeah the 350z kind of felt like a boat sometimes. Horribly clunky transmission too even after switching to synthetic.

Originally Posted by [YOYO]

Congrats on the car purchase and welcome to the club

I came from a heavily modded, 2003 RSX Type S, so I also experienced the power drop. It was a toss up between a 370Z and the FRS / BRZ. I went with the FRS, and I don't regret it one bit. It looks and drives like a dream.

Have fun modding!

Thanks man!

Originally Posted by Mr.Impreza

+1 on this. I came from a 2002 WRX STI swap & Bmw 335i

I can tell you, I never miss the power of those cars. The twins are truly amazing sports cars that look the part and feel it.

The Z looks like it was beautifully modded, so i have high hopes for your 86!

Thanks I appreciate it! Yeah I'm hoping I stay happy with the power I've got and don't itch for something faster. Time will tell...

Originally Posted by PDM 2

Came from a Speed3. Miss the power & boost. Haven't drove my FR-S hard yet since it was almost winter when I got her. But so far so good. Grats on the car!

Thanks man! I've never driven anything boosted but I can imagine that thing was fun.

[darthpnoy1984]

I came from owning a 03 G35 Sedan which I originally was suppose to have it as a secondary car. No question the low end power and smoothness of the VQ is great but the Twins is such a treat to drive daily its driving pleasure smiles and the way Toyota/Subaru tuned the suspension and chassis bone stock is miles ahead from the VQ G/Z platform.


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[8RZ]

Congrats again, you will enjoy this platform.

[radiocrash]

Originally Posted by darthpnoy1984

I came from owning a 03 G35 Sedan which I originally was suppose to have it as a secondary car. No question the low end power and smoothness of the VQ is great but the Twins is such a treat to drive daily its driving pleasure smiles and the way Toyota/Subaru tuned the suspension and chassis bone stock is miles ahead from the VQ G/Z platform.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes that has been my experience so far! It's a great car to drive on a daily basis aside from the passenger side blind spot.

Originally Posted by 8RZ

Congrats again, you will enjoy this platform.

Thank you!!

[radiocrash]

Update: After two trips to the dealer and being forced to rip the test driver a new a**hole, Toyota is replacing my trans under warranty. Just over 36k miles.